Citron Emulator Installation Guide (Windows, Linux, macOS & Android)

Setting up Citron isn’t complicated, no matter what you’re using. PC, Mac, Linux, even Android, the process is mostly just download, open, and let it create what it needs. The steps below cover the basics so you don’t get stuck figuring out what to do next.

Before You Install

A couple of things people usually overlook:

• Citron only works with legally obtained game and system files
• There are no links or instructions for downloading copyrighted content
• You’re expected to source everything yourself before starting

If you already have your files ready, you’re good to go.

Downloading Citron

Stick to the official releases page. Random mirrors and reuploads are how people end up with broken builds or worse.

Citron releases are available for:

• Windows
• Linux
• macOS
• Android

Just grab the version that matches your device.

Windows

Citron runs fine on most modern Windows PCs. No complicated installer or setup wizard.

What you need

• Windows 10 (1809 or newer, 64-bit)
• Latest Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable
• Updated GPU drivers (NVIDIA / AMD / Intel)

Install steps

1. Download the Windows ZIP from the releases page
2. Extract it anywhere (example: C:\Citron)
3. Open the folder and run citron.exe

First launch creates config folders automatically.

Quick tip: If you plan to use it often, just create a desktop shortcut for the EXE.

Linux

Linux users get a few choices depending on how hands-on they want to be.

AppImage (Easiest)

Download the AppImage from the releases page, then:

chmod +x Citron-*.AppImage
./Citron-*.AppImage

If you like having it appear in your app launcher, tools like GearLever can handle AppImage integration.

Build From Source (If You Like Tinkering)

Dependencies

Debian / Ubuntu

sudo apt install build-essential cmake git libqt6-* libsdl2-dev libvulkan-dev

Arch

sudo pacman -S base-devel cmake git qt6-base sdl2 vulkan-headers

Fedora

sudo dnf install gcc-c++ cmake git qt6-devel SDL2-devel vulkan-headers

Build process

git clone https://git.citron-emu.org/Citron/Emulator.git
cd Emulator
mkdir build && cd build
cmake .. -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=Release
make -j$(nproc)

Run it with:

./bin/citron

macOS

Works on both Intel Macs and Apple Silicon.

Install

1. Download the DMG
2. Open it
3. Drag Citron into Applications
4. Launch from Applications or Spotlight

If macOS blocks it the first time:

• Right-click the app
• Click Open
• Confirm when prompted

Apple Silicon users can run Rosetta builds or native ARM versions. Native usually runs better if available.

Android

Good option if you want portable emulation or use a controller with your phone.

Requirements

• Android 11+
• ARM64 processor
• Vulkan 1.1+ support
• 4 GB RAM minimum (6+ feels much better)

Install

1. Download the APK
2. Allow Unknown Sources if asked
3. Install and open the app
4. Allow storage permissions

First Launch Setup

After installation, you’ll still need to point Citron to your games.

Add your games

• Open Citron
• Go to File → Select Game Directory (or Settings on mobile)
• Pick your game folder

Adjust settings

• Graphics (performance vs quality)
• Controller or touch controls
• Anything specific to your hardware

Updating Citron

PC / Mac / Linux

• Download the new version
• Close Citron
• Replace old files

Saves and configs usually stay untouched.

Android

• Install the newer APK over the old one
• Data stays unless you uninstall first

Save & Config Locations

Uninstalling

Windows

• Delete Citron folder
• Optional: remove %APPDATA%\citron if you want saves gone too

Linux

• Delete AppImage or build folder
• Optional cleanup:

• ~/.local/share/citron
• ~/.config/citron

macOS

• Move Citron.app to Trash
• Optional: delete ~/.local/share/citron

Android

• Long press app → Uninstall
• Data usually gets removed automatically